Wednesday is the official kickoff of the Local First Rural Policy Forum. Part of the mission is focusing on working with rural businesses to help them develop new strategies.

On Tuesday, The Show spoke with Kimber Lanning — executive director of the Local First Arizona Foundation — about the big picture around rural business in the state. She said it is important for towns to carve their own unique niche.

Among the towns and cities sending representatives to the forum is Clarkdale. Jodie Filardo is the town’s community and economic development director. The Show spoke to her about the unique challenges Clarkdale faces.